Energy Share now taking applications for assistance

Are you or someone you know worried about how you’re going to pay your home energy bills this winter?

Energy Share of Montana is accepting applications for emergency heating assistance at Community Action Partnership of Northwest Montana, which serves residents of Flathead, Lake, Lincoln and Sanders counties.

The office can be reached at 1-800-344-5979.

Energy Share is a private nonprofit organization established in 1983 to help Montanans who are facing financial difficulties that may result in loss of heat or lights in their home. A local volunteer Energy Share Committee works with the partnership to review the applications.

Energy Share helps people no matter what their heat source, but the assistance is usually only once every 10 years or so because the organization is truly a source of emergency funds, intended to complement government assistance programs but not replace them.

Energy Share helps an average of about 2,500 families per year (more than 6,000 individuals). Situations that compel people to apply for help with their energy bills through Energy Share could include extreme medical issues, unemployment or reduced wages/hours, or a wide range of other issues that create financial difficulty. 

Energy Share is supported by donors, from individuals and small businesses to utility companies, electric cooperatives, propane vendors and large electric users.

Donation envelopes or pledge cards will be in November utility bills or in the Rural Montana magazine. You can also donate online at Energy Share’s website, www.energysharemt.com, or by mailing a check to Energy Share, P.O. Box 5959, Helena, MT 59604-5959. Donations are tax-deductible and 100 percent of private donations are used for bill assistance unless otherwise designated by the donor.

For more information, visit the website or call the statewide office at 1-888-779-7589.